Simple tips help avoid holiday stress, depression

Simple tips help avoid holiday stress, depression

Dec. 6, 2012

M104

1. Feeling lonely over the holidays? Seek out community or religious events or volunteer opportunities such as food pantries, which are often in need of help.

2. Focus on the positives about your family members and try to enjoy their good qualities and realize that ultimately, you can control only yourself and no one else.

3. Learn how to say no. If your demands and to-do list are high and your rest and relaxation time with yourself or your friends and family are low, you could become stressed or depressed, which could lead to overeating or over-drinking, she said. Don’t feel obligated to accept every holiday invitation, and make sure you set aside time each day to relax and refuel yourself, she said. “We know from research that when people are exhausted, their ability to handle their emotions goes down,” said psychologist Ann Kearney-Cooke.

4. Set realistic expectations about the holidays and don’t be a perfectionist. Maybe invest in an artificial Christmas tree that you can use year after year rather than take the time to find the perfect real tree, she said. Having people over for dinner? Ask each guest to bring his or her favorite dish rather than trying to cook a Martha Stewart-esque meal entirely yourself.

5. Pick a few holiday traditions that are important to you and focus on making them special rather than trying to do it all.

Ann Kearney-Cooke, psychologist and co-author of personal trainer Bob Greene’s book “The Life You Want: Get Motivated, Lose Weight and Be Happy” (Simon & Schuster, $25).